Traditional 4th of July celebrations returning across the Tri-County area

Firework enthusiasts rejoice—Fourth of July is once again nearly upon us, and there will be plenty of opportunities to take in those glorious, bright explosions all over the Tri-County area this coming weekend.

Williamsburg

There will be several Independence Day celebrations across Williamsburg held over the span of several days beginning on Friday, July 1.

On Friday, the city’s summer event schedule continues with the second block party of the summer at Bill Woods Park, featuring the band Hi 5. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. and is scheduled to last until 11 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the block party will be held inside the Williamsburg Tourism Center.

On Saturday, the Goldbug Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Fourth Annual Early Fourth of July Fundraiser at the Whitley County Soccer Complex off US25W. The event begins at 6 p.m. and the cost of admission is $7 for ages 8 and up, but includes both dinner and entertainment. Smoked BBQ, homemade sides and deserts will be available throughout the fundraiser, which will wrap up with a fireworks show.

A bell ringing ceremony will be held Monday at 11 a.m. on the University of the Cumberlands’ campus outside the Hutton School of Business with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony will conclude with the ringing of a replica of the Liberty Bell to commemorate the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The bell will be rung 13 times, once each for the 13 original colonies, which later became the 13 original states. The event is sponsored by the Captain Charles Gatliff Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the William Whitley Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Williamsburg festivities will culminate Monday evening at the Kentucky Splash Waterpark. There will be no entry charge to the waterpark after 7 p.m.
Monday.

The celebration begins with Picnic in the Park at 7 p.m. under the umbrella by the gift shop, where a number of refreshments will be available for sell. A hotdog eating contest will also take place at 7:30 beside the gift shop.

At 8 p.m. there will be a duck race with a $500 grand prize. Ducks can be purchased at the admissions area and proceeds from that event will go to the Williamsburg Police Department Shop with a Cop event.

Monday’s festivities will conclude with fireworks from just outside the waterpark at “dark thirty.”

Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison said he is excited for the upcoming events.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to get out and enjoy the 4th like we used to do,” said Harrison.

Corbin

Corbin’s Independence Day festivities are slated for Sunday, July 3, and will take place at The Corbin Arena.

The celebration begins with the band Ruthless Vendetta taking the Arena stage at 6:30, followed by Gravel Switch at 8 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.

A fireworks show will wrap up the event at 9:45 p.m.

Corbin Tourism Director Maggy Monhollen said there will be an assortment of things to do at this year’s event.

“The Independence Day celebration is always a huge, family friendly event. We’ll have a variety of different vendors, with everything from food to merchandise,” said Monhollen.

The city is also providing 3D glasses that can be used to view the fireworks display. The glasses are free and can be picked up from the tourism office at The Corbin Center during regular business hours. Monhollen said that they would be handed out during the event as well.

Monhollen also noted that the City of Corbin and Corbin Tourism are happy to provide their yearly fireworks show to the public, but asked that those in attendance not set off their own fireworks, which has been an issue in the past at businesses and parking lots near the Arena.

West Knox Volunteer Fire Department will also be hosting a fireworks display at the firehouse on July 4 at dusk.

London

Fourth of July celebrations will take place Saturday, July 2, with the City of London holding its annual Red, White and Boom event.

The event is being held at College Park off the KY-192 bypass behind the Laurel County Public Library and begins at 4 p.m. with games, live entertainment, contests and a variety of other activities. Several musical guests will be performing throughout the evening, including McKane, the Nick Black Band and Brennan Villines.

A fireworks show will be held at dusk.

Barbourville

Barbourville will be holding it’s Independence Day celebrations throughout the course of the weekend, with events kicking off July 1 with Food Truck Friday in downtown Barbourville. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature music by Dan Jackson.

The schedule continues with Party on the Square, taking place July 2 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Knox County Courthouse Square. Barbourville’s Red, White and Boom event will be held July 4 at the city park. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. with live music and will end with a fireworks show at dusk.

Jellico

The City of Jellico will be holding its first-ever three-day event in celebration of Independence Day this weekend beginning Saturday, July 2. All three days will be held at Veteran’s Park in downtown Jellico, with vendors available opening at 10 a.m. daily.

On Saturday, an open mic will be held from 12 to 5 p.m., with music from Brent Branham and Bobbie Poynter following. The evening’s headliner, the Amber Allen Band, will take the stage at 7 p.m.

On Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m., church choirs of all kinds are invited to perform for an evening of gospel singing.

The festivities wrap up on Monday with the Backwater Band taking the stage at 7 p.m. and a firework display at 10 p.m.

Jellico Tourism Director Jake Bennett said it was going to be a weekend full of fun.

“Since the Fourth of July falls on a Monday, we thought we would extend our celebration this year,” said Bennett. “We’re looking forward to a big weekend.”

Bennett also noted that the events would be held rain or shine.